1/8" freewheels

[Rudy]

The low-buck Shimano freewheel I bought new is a lemon and will be returned.

The question becomes: What's its replacement? Must be 1/8, reliable, and pretty. Any guidance will be appreciated!

[woolly]

The low-buck Shimano freewheel I bought new is a lemon and will be returned.

The question becomes: What's its replacement? Must be 1/8, reliable, and pretty. Any guidance will be appreciated!

White Industries. The only downside is the price, but they seem to pay for themselves over time.

[Rudy]

3/32" only at White.

[Grant McLean]

3/32" only at White.

You can run an 1/8" chain on a 3/32" freewheel without issue.
(not sure that answers the question you asked... consider it under
the 'guidance' option)

-g

[PSC]

Spend the extra money and get the White Industries. Got one on my SS and it is awesome.

[AngryScientist]

surprises me that the shimano unit was bad, they're usually pretty good, consider another one of those.

[Grant McLean]

surprises me that the shimano unit was bad, they're usually pretty good, consider another one of those.

Yeah, but they're really poorly 'sealed', which requires quotes
since you can usually see the bearings inside.
But they are so inexpensive, I suppose any self-respecting bmx'er
uses a cassette style hub like everyone else.

-g

[Rudy]

I cannot identify anything between Shimano/ACS and White Industries.

So if I may post a follow-up question: What consequences follow from running a 1/8 chain and chainring with a 3/32 freewheel? To be used on the road by a 170 pounder who's easy on equipment.

[JLP]

I cannot identify anything between Shimano/ACS and White Industries.

So if I may post a follow-up question: What consequences follow from running a 1/8 chain and chainring with a 3/32 freewheel? To be used on the road by a 170 pounder who's easy on equipment.

You can put many thousands of miles on a white with a 1/8" chain. No worries whatever.

[rustychisel]

no major consequences, just the minor annoyance that you don't have a perfectly matching drivetrain. Bummer.

Actually, there's a mild chance that you get a bit of chain noise or 'enhanced vibration' as Cannondale's marketing department would probably term it, due to the slightly wider chain moving back and forth across the cog profile. It happens, it usually settles down.

[Louis]

I'd stay away from ACS. I don't yet have any miles on mine, but visually comparing it to the Shimano I also have, and spinning the two, the Shimano is far and away a better part.

[rodcad]

The low-buck Shimano freewheel I bought new is a lemon and will be returned.

The question becomes: What's its replacement? Must be 1/8, reliable, and pretty. Any guidance will be appreciated!


I'm curious why you have to stay with 1/8" and won't consider 3/32"? I have all 1/8" with the Shimano freewheel on my single speed road bike, no issues yet. I have all 3/32" on my single speed mtb with the White Ind. freewheel and it's great too.

[rugbysecondrow]

I had that problem with a shins no free hub. The damn thing started slipping on me, I almost wiped out once when trying to go up hill. Went with WI and never looked back.

Also, with a 3/32, it meant only one type of chain whip

[oldpotatoe]

I cannot identify anything between Shimano/ACS and White Industries.

So if I may post a follow-up question: What consequences follow from running a 1/8 chain and chainring with a 3/32 freewheel? To be used on the road by a 170 pounder who's easy on equipment.

Since there is a wee bit more side to side play of a 1/8inch chain on a 3/32 cog, it 'may' be more noisy than a 3/32 chain but on a well adjusted system, chainline and tension wise, it's really not a big deal.

[Rudy]

Thanks, all,r for your suggestions. Guess I'll ride the Shimano (noisy and clunky thing) until just before it fails. Then on to the unknown territory of WI non-matching freewheel. Can't be any worse.....

[Grant McLean]

I'm curious why you have to stay with 1/8" and won't consider 3/32"?

My guess is that he has an 1/8" chainring and chain on the bike.

-g

[Rudy]

My guess is that he has an 1/8" chainring and chain on the bike.

-g

Yup.

[DY123]

I tried the cheap ones to find out what gear I wanted for the rear.

Bought a white for the final rear.

1/8" chainring up front, white in the back. Even though i mixed 1/8" and 3/32" it was more quiet and far better running than the cheap ones.

[Rudy]

I tried the cheap ones to find out what gear I wanted for the rear.

Bought a white for the final rear.

1/8" chainring up front, white in the back. Even though i mixed 1/8" and 3/32" it was more quiet and far better running than the cheap ones.

Cool news, Dave. That's the path I will follow. Thanks, ALL, for your insights. Look me up if you visit the Four Corners!